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Cases | Cardiothoracic | Sims

Joe Sims: Physical Examination

Vital signs

Temp 98.2 degrees; pulse 70 and regular; BP 110/60, height 71 inches, weight 180 pounds.

HEENT

Normal.

Neck

Normal; no thyromegaly; jugular veins flat at 45 degrees.

Chest

Resonant, breath sounds normal, no wheezes, rales, or egophony.

Heart

Regular; apical impulse visible and PMI palpable in the 6th ICS, anterior axillary line; S1 and S2 normal, S4 gallop, no murmurs.

Abdomen

Soft and non-tender; no organomegaly or mass.

Extremities

Normal.

Skin

Normal.

Self-assessment question:

The results of Dr. Grey's physical examination are most compatible with a large pericardial effusion.

True
False

Explanation

False. A pericardial effusion should cause increased dullness to percussion, an absent PMI, and soft heart sounds. Dr. Grey's findings indicate left ventricular enlargement.

Next: Test results

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Last modified: Thursday, 01-Aug-2002 16:46:20 EDT. (PL)

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